145.022-69

Produced in 1968 to 1970

Calibre 861

This is the smooth backed, calibre 861, speedmaster, the watch that most people go to first.

145.022-69 with DO90 bezel in good condition and recently serviced. Dial shows a little brown. This is in the 2960xxxx seriesInside the case back, marked with the reference and the year. This year mark is more of a model designation than an accurate production date. Many watches marked -69 have production dates (in Omega Extracts) of 1970 and 1971.145.022-69. 30m serial. This has the DN90 bezel, and is in a generally patinated condition. The dial plots are degraded, looks like algae. But the whole ensemble goes together and is attractive. Its not the most valuable but it is desirable.145.022-69 With a Chocolate dial. This watch has a DN90 bezel which is correct for its 3058xxxx serial. Even with the patch near 7 O’clock it is a valuable piece. Brown dials in this reference is a whole subject of itself.

Brown most often dials occur in serial ranges 2911xxxx and 2960xxxx. They are seen in other serials too but these are the most common, and when a collector sees this serial he will be checking the dial carefully. Of course a brown dial can be easily moved and changed. See more about browns here.

Bezels

We have to be vigilant about bezels. This reference was fitted in the early part of its production with a DO90 bezel, a Dot Over 90. See here for a discussion of the price of DO90 bezels and the price influence, and here for a discussion of bezels.

Calibre 861

Serial Range:

2842 0xxx – 3162 9xxx

Dial

Stepped

Painted logo

Professional text

Short hour indices

Wide spaced SWISS MADE T’s

Case

Asymmetric case, 20 mm lugs

Caseback- single step with speedmaster engraved on rear

Hands

Hour/minute – baton

Subdial – Stick, painted

Chrono – square end spear

Pushers

5mm x 3.5 mm

Crown

7mm

Bezel

Black BASE 500 bezel with dot over 90 (DO90)

Three 145.022’s. The first two exhibit a pleasing patina, while the one on the far right is in close to factory fresh appearance with its black dial and clean hands